ascension

¹ American  

[uh-sen-shuhn] / əˈsɛn ʃən /

noun

1. the act of ascending; ascent.

2. the Ascension, the bodily ascending of Christ from earth to heaven.

3. (initial capital letter) Ascension Day.

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Ascension ² American  

[uh-sen-shuhn] / əˈsɛn ʃən /

noun

1. a British island in the S Atlantic Ocean: constituent part of St. Helena. 34 sq. mi. (88 sq. km).

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ascension ¹ British  

/ əˈsɛnʃən /

noun

1. the act of ascending

2. astronomy the rising of a star above the horizon

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Ascension ² British  

/ əˈsɛnʃən /

noun

1. New Testament the passing of Jesus Christ from earth into heaven (Acts 1:9)

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Ascension ³ British  

/ əˈsɛnʃən /

noun

1. an island in the S Atlantic, northwest of St Helena: uninhabited until claimed by Britain in 1815. Pop: 884 (2010 est). Area: 88 sq km (34 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• ascensional adjective

Etymology

Origin of ascension

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English ascencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin ascēnsiōn-, stem of ascēnsiō, from ascēns(us) “climbed up” (past participle of ascendere “to climb up”; ascend ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

It’s also staged to implicate the audience in the Marcos’ ascension to office, ultimately revealing how corrupt leaders often appear charming at first.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles’ ascension coincided with the 46-year career of art critic Christopher Knight.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s not as though Gabbard’s ascension to director of intelligence was Hawaii’s loss and America’s gain.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the Bentonville, Ark.-based company will have to navigate the ascension of a new chief, as longtime executive John Furner took the helm this month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Journalists joked about her long quest for fame over a decade ago; her ascension felt delayed in part because she’d started it so young.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ascent